MANCHESTER United managed to turn a Premiership picnic into a panic at Old Trafford.

The champions shook off the cobwebs from the league break to take a two-goal first half lead against strugglers Blackburn.

It should have been enough of a cushion to enjoy a second half stroll but Graeme Souness' battlers forced their way back from oblivion to make a contest of this.

Fresh from incurring the mock wrath of his boss for striking a hat trick against Sir Alex Ferguson's beloved Scotland in midweek for Holland, Ruud van Nistelrooy crashed the Reds into a 23rd minute lead.

The Dutchman played a one-two with Quinton Fortune before lashing in the opener.

The Brazilian midfielder Kleberson, whose had an injury hit start to his United career, revealed part of the reason behind a purchase that has mystified some fans.

But part of his impressive display was to despatch a set up by Fortune again in the 37th minute to put United two up.

O'Shea hit the bar in the second half and Gary Neville ruined a surging drive into the box to by firing well over the bar.

Roy Keane could even afford to laugh off a penalty shout in the 62nd minute such was United's dominance but a minute later Brett Emerton thundered in a goal for Rovers and the Reds became sloppy and panicky before finally limping over the line.